Growing up, a lot of us would see twenty-something year olds and be amazed by them because we thought they were adults and had their shit together. Now, we are those twenty-something year olds and I think it's safe to say we definitely don't have our shit together. Sure, some of us might have it more together than others but all-in-all we're all wishing to be 16 again with no responsibilities except cheering on the football team each Friday night, who we are going to prom with, and what now seems like minor homework assignments.
We are all trying to figure out what makes us tick. What do we want to do for the next 40-some years before we can retire? We are trying to get by with a few hundred dollars in our bank accounts while trying to keep up appearances like we know what the hell we are doing, especially if we have graduated college.
Here is a list of 11 things you don't owe anyone:
1. You don't owe people an apology
I know it may be rude and your mom raised you a certain way but this is now your life and you don't, and shouldn't, have to apologize for choices you make anymore.
2. Why you are being selfish
Good for you!!!! You're twenty-something and this is the time you should be selfish. You shouldn't stay with someone who you're unhappy with because you're scared what others will say, you shouldn't not move because you're parents don't want you to, and you shouldn't feel bad for doing something you want.
3. For being happy
Congrats, you have your shit together. Some others don't. You don't owe anyone to not be happy. You earned it so soak in it.
4. Their permission
I can't stress this enough.... You don't have to ask anyone for permission to do something. You were trusted enough to make a decision about a major that you literally have to live with for your entire life because your career is potentially decided by it. I think you're capable of doing research to buy a car, get an apartment, or fly to Italy for a week. You're an adult and adults don't need permission.
5. To give an explanation
The dreaded explanation of why you chose to do something.... Especially after graduation and family members. "Oh, you're taking a year off? Why..." "Oh my. Why aren't you going to graduate school?" "Why do you want to move there?" They are never ending questions and personally, it's really none of their business.
6. Why you're taking time off
Less than 40 percent of students graduate college in four years. College isn't for everyone and life happens. Loved ones get sick, accidents happen, babies happen and dozens of other unfortunate circumstances can happen but taking time off isn't the end of the world. It isn't about how long it takes you to get the degree as long as you get it.
7. The reason why you're dating someone
Are they with them?
Oh, they aren't?
Doesn't matter then. They can move along.
8. Why you don't want kids one day
People automatically think if you're in a relationship, the next step is engagement then the wedding and then you have to get pregnant and have a family. It's like people can't swallow the idea of actually enjoying each phase of a relationship. And hey, kids are definitely not for everyone and it's a personal choice. Your choice for not wanting to have children one day is okay and it might change in ten years.
9. Why you don't like going out
I would put money down a lot of us had a time in our young life where we had our "going out phase" but as we got older the appeal of that went out the window and that's fine. I would much rather cuddle up with a bottle of wine and Netflix than have gross guys hitting on me and being scared to drink my drink at the bar.
10. Not going to graduate school
This is a huge one for me. I don't want to go. I'm so over school it's almost scary because I am so close to being done with my degree. My dad on the other hand has been harping on me to go even if I take a year off, that's better than nothing. I just don't want to right now...
11. The career you choose
Oh, you want to teach kids even though the pay sucks and the hours are a hell of a lot longer than people ever could imagine? Thank you for shaping America's youth and our future. Oh, you want to be a police officer and risk getting shot at every day, riots and once again the pay sucks? Thank you for risking your life for us and protecting us from crime. As long as you are happy with your job, that is all that matters because you are the one who has to go to it for 15,000 odd days.
